Neurochromatic prescription determination

ABSTRACT

A method for determining a lens prescription for the eye. The method includes selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) trial lens and determining whether the first UV trial lens results in improvement in visual function. The first UV trial lens may be selected for the lens prescription when the first UV trial lens results in improvement in visual function. The method includes selecting a first color group comprising a first color trial lens and a second color trial lens and determining whether the first color trial lens or the second color trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function. The second color trial lens may be selected for the prescription when the second color trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function as compared to the first color trial lens. The method may include reevaluating the first UV trial lens for improvement in visual function when not previously selected.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to the copendingprovisional patent application Ser. No. 61/470,417, Attorney DocketNumber NCVS-0001.A, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHROMATIC VISIONENHANCEMENT,” with filing date Mar. 31, 2011, and hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 13/368,149, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US1,entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC PRESCRIPTION DETERMINATION,” with filing date2/7/12, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US2,entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC TRIAL LENS KIT,” with filing date ______, andhereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to copending non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US3,entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC REFRACTOR,” with filing date ______, and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to visionenhancement, e.g., with the application of specialized and custom lensesfor the eyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vision is one of the most important senses. People are in particularvisual creatures, often favoring visual perception over other senses.Further, humans constantly use their eyes in almost every task whetherit be for reading, walking, or driving. This reliance on the visualsystem as the primary sense for interacting with the world makes thehuman eye incredibly important and thereby meaning any deficiency invisual performance can have a large negative impact.

The eye and the visual processing system are quite complex and as suchcan be negatively impacted by a variety of conditions, syndromes, andcomplications. Such problems can result in photophobia, reduced field ofvision, clarity of vision, and other visual compromises. Whileophthalmic prescriptions are somewhat effective in reducing the negativeeffects of near-sightedness and far-sightedness, ophthalmicprescriptions and lenses are not able to solve or reduce a variety ofconditions, syndromes, and complications. For example, ophthalmic lenseshave limited effect on photophobia or reduced field of vision. Regulareye glasses mostly correct for image clarity and focus but do little tocorrect for other visual performance and acuity issues.

Thus, a need exists for a solution to alleviate visual system problemsthat are not solved or fully solved with current ophthalmicprescriptions and lenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention medically and therapeutically treator enhance the performance of the human visual experience by physicianprescribed neurochromatic lenses. Embodiments of the present inventionfurther provide effective treatment for the enhancement of vision andtherapeutic treatment for a variety of neurovisual processing symptoms,anomalies, conditions, and syndromes.

Embodiments of the present invention are operable to improve a varietyof various visual performance and visual function characteristicsincluding improved visual acuity (e.g., more clear and enhanced visualperception of distant objects), improved visual field, enhanced visualsaccade (e.g., eye movement across a page), increased contrastsensitivity, and increased recognition of color hues. Embodiments of thepresent invention are further operable to improve visual performance andvisual function characteristics including increased eye coordination,increased pupil stabilization (e.g., stabilization of pupil shape toround), improved visual invoked response time (e.g., vision to actiontime), and improved blood flow in the brain which results in enhancementto cognitive response to visual cues. Embodiments of the presentinvention may make use of Neurochromatic© lens or trial lens availablefrom NeuChroma Vision, Incorporated of Redding, Calif.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method fordetermining a neurochromatic prescription for the eye. The methodincludes selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) trial lens and determiningwhether the first UV trial lens results in improvement in visualfunction. The first UV trial lens may then be selected for the lensprescription when the first UV trial lens results in improvement invisual function. The method further includes selecting a first colorgroup comprising a first color trial lens and a second color trial lensand determining whether the first color trial lens or the second colortrial lens results in greater improvement in visual function. The secondcolor trial lens may then be selected for the prescription when thesecond color trial lens results in greater improvement in visualfunction as compared to the first color trial lens. The method furtherincludes reevaluating the first UV trial lens for improvement in visualfunction after determining improvement in visual function with thesecond color trial lens when the first UV trial lens did not result inimprovement in visual function prior to selection of the second colortrial lens. The method may further include activating a full spectrumlighting element and activating a camera operable to record theimprovement in visual function. The camera may be operable to record apupillary response to the first color trial lens and other trial lenses.In one embodiment, the first color group comprises a first infrared (IR)trial lens and a second IR trial lens. In one exemplary embodiment, thefirst color group is selected from the group consisting of brown,orange, amber, yellow, green, moss green, pink, red, burgundy, rosewood,lavender, violet, royal blue, blue, sky blue, and aqua.

The method may further include selecting a neutral density groupcomprising a first neutral density trial lens and a second neutraldensity trial lens and determining whether the first neutral densitytrial lens or the second neutral density trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function. The second neutral density trial lensmay then be selected for the lens prescription when the second neutraldensity trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function ascompared to the first neutral density trial lens.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method fordetermining a lens prescription. The method includes selecting a firstultraviolet (UV) trial lens and a second UV trial lens and determiningwhether the first UV trial lens or the second UV trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function. The second UV trial lens maythen be selected for the lens prescription when the second UV trial lensresults in greater improvement in visual function as compared to thefirst UV trial lens. The method further includes selecting a neutraldensity group comprising a first neutral density trial lens and a secondneutral density trial lens and determining whether the first neutraldensity trial lens or the second neutral density trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function. The second neutral density triallens may then be selected for the prescription when the second neutraldensity trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function ascompared to the first neutral density trial lens. The method may furtherinclude activating a full spectrum lighting element and activating acamera operable to record the improvement in visual function. The cameramay be operable to record a pupillary response to the first UV triallens and other trial lenses.

The method may further include selecting a first color group comprisinga first color trial lens and a second color trial lens and determiningwhether the first color trial lens or the second color trial lensresults in greater improvement in visual function. The second colortrial lens may then be selected for the prescription when the secondcolor trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function ascompared to the first color trial lens. The color group may comprise athird color trial lens and method may further include determiningwhether the second color trial lens or the third color trial lensresults in greater improvement in visual function and selecting thethird color trial lens for the lens prescription when the third colortrial lens results in greater improvement in visual function as comparedto the second color trial lens. The method may further includereevaluating the first UV trial lens for improvement in visual functionafter determining improvement in visual function with the second colortrial lens when the first UV trial lens did not result in improvement invisual function prior to selection of the second color trial lens.

In one embodiment, the color group may include a first infrared (IR)trial lens and a second IR trial lens and the method further includeselecting a first infrared (IR) trial lens and a second IR trial lensand determining whether the first IR trial lens or the second IR triallens results in greater improvement in visual function. The second IRtrial lens may then be selected for the lens prescription when thesecond IR trial lens results in greater improvement in visual functionas compared to the first IR trial lens.

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a methodfor selecting a trial lens for corresponding prescription. The methodincludes selecting a neutral density group comprising a first neutraldensity trial lens and a second neutral density trial lens anddetermining whether the first neutral density trial lens or the secondneutral density trial lens results in greater improvement in visualfunction. The second neutral density trial lens may then be selected forthe prescription when the second neutral density trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function as compared to the first neutraldensity trial lens. The method further includes selecting a first colorgroup comprising a first color trial lens and a second color trial lensand determining whether the first color trial lens or the second colortrial lens results in greater improvement in visual function. The secondcolor trial lens may then be selected for the prescription when thesecond color trial lens results in greater improvement in visualfunction as compared to the first color trial lens.

The method may further include selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) triallens and a second UV trial lens and determining whether the first UVtrial lens or the second UV trial lens results in greater improvement invisual function. The second UV trial lens may then be selected for thelens prescription when the second UV trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function as compared to the first UV trial lens.The method may further include reevaluating the second UV trial lens forimprovement in visual function after determining improvement in visualfunction with the second color trial lens when the second UV trial lensdid not result in improvement in visual function prior to selection ofthe second color trial lens. The method may further include activatingan infrared camera operable to record the improvement in visualfunction. The camera may be operable to record a pupillary response tothe first color trial lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining aneurochromatic prescription in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selection of anultraviolet (UV) trial lens in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary configuration of selected triallenses and a trial lens being tested in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selecting one ormore color lens in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A-B show exemplary neurochromatic prescriptions in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining aneurochromatic prescription in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selection of anultraviolet (UV) trial lens in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selecting one ormore color lens in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of embodiments of the present invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Exemplary Methods of Neurochromatic Prescription

FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining aneurochromatic prescription in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 100 include evaluating each of a set ofinfrared (IR) trial lenses, ultraviolet (UV) trial lenses, and colortrial lenses for resulting in improvements in visual performance andfunction. Embodiments of the present invention are operable to improve avariety of various visual performance and visual functioncharacteristics including improved visual acuity (e.g., more clear andenhanced visual perception of distant objects), improved visual field,enhanced visual saccade (e.g., eye movement across a page), increasedcontrast sensitivity, and increased recognition of color hues.Embodiments of the present invention are further operable to improvevisual performance and visual function characteristics includingincreased eye coordination, increased pupil stabilization (e.g.,stabilization of pupil shape to round), improved visual invoked responsetime (e.g., vision to action time), and improved blood flow in the brainwhich results in enhancement to cognitive response to visual cues. Thefollowing terms may be trademarked or protected: neurochromatic andneurochromatic refraction.

In one embodiment, the improvement in visual performance and functionsubstantially similar to the improvements in visual performance andfunction that ophthalmologists and optometrists look for. Embodiments ofthe present invention are operable for determination of a neurochromaticprescription resulting in neurological and physiological improvement.Embodiments of the present invention comprise a process for selecting aplurality of trial lenses, each corresponding to frequencies orwavelengths to be used in combination to create a prescription and aresultant lens to increase visual function (e.g., visual performance andvisual function characteristics mentioned above).

For each trial lens, patients may be asked which trial lens results inthe viewing object (e.g., near or far chart) being visually sharper,clearer, or more distinct. This will be paired with enhanced visualfunctions which may be measured in a variety of ways including: improvedsaccade, changes in visual field, increase in ability to perceive (e.g.,increased ability to identify colors that would not otherwise be seen).For example, the patient may be asked whether the trial lens makesthings clearer, bold, less blurry on the near or far chart. Thephysician may ask which lens is “most clear?” or “most focused?”

In one embodiment, process 100 is performed with use of a trial lens kitdescribed in related copending non-provisional patent application Ser.No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US2, entitled“NEUROCHROMATIC TRIAL LENS KIT,” with filing date ______, and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the triallens kit is arranged so that the physician may move sequentially throughthe lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the trial lens kit is setup totest IR trial lenses, color trial lenses, and then UV trial lenses.

At block 102, a lighting element is activated. In one embodiment, thelighting element is a full spectrum lighting element for creating a fullspectrum lighting environment for a neurochromatic refractor.

At block 104, infrared (IR) trial lenses are evaluated for improvementin visual function. As described further herein, patients may be checkedfor a variety of conditions which indicate that the patients benefitfrom IR trial lens.

Patients with a traumatic brain injury, reduced levels of consciousnessnot induced by medications, cerebral hemorrhages, brain swelling,strokes, seizure disorders, migraines, ongoing and untreated chemicaldependency of any substance, and severe auto-immune complex reactionoften have an immediate reduction of symptoms and complications whenintroduced to infrared (IR) trial lenses or any other trial lenses(e.g., neurochromatic lens) or with an neurochromatic prescription. Inone exemplary embodiment, IR lenses are the first choice due toincreased probability of increased patient response. In one embodiment,such results occur when each or almost all of the available infraredtrial lenses are used and prescribed. Generally, infrared trial lens areprescribed within the context of a neurochromatic prescription processfor the purposes of either treating one of many neurovisual compromisesor to enhance visual performance.

In one embodiment, if the patient's history or known dysfunctionincludes one of the above mentioned visually evoked phenomena, symptoms,or syndromes, it is recommended that the physician have available IRtrial lenses for an aggressive and immediate therapeutic intervention.Patients having visually evoked or responses to light which eithertrigger or agitate the symptoms of a migraine, seizure, unexplainedauto-immune responses, and withdrawal symptoms from chemical dependencymay experience a reduction, if not cessation, of the symptoms andsyndromes within 5-30 seconds of wearing a trial lens saturated tofilter the maximum infrared.

It is noted that exposure to a neurochromatic trial lens may trigger anyone of the symptoms or syndromes while exposure to any one of the triallens may immediately halt, control, or diminish the visually evokedmigraine, seizure, auto-immune complex response, and symptoms of moodaltering drug withdrawal. The determining of the neurochromaticprescription may necessitate exposure to both types of trial lenses.Accordingly, the physician should have infrared trial lenses ready forsuch type of patients.

In one embodiment, should a patient have any of these dangerousneurovisual processing disorder caused conditions, syndromes, orcomplications, a physician should apply infrared trial lens to thepatient. The complications, syndromes, headaches, seizures (tongue andtongue swallowing emergency responses should be ready), auto-immune andwithdrawal symptoms may begin to reverse within approximately fiveseconds. Complete patient control and reversal of phenomenon might belikely regained within less than 30-60 seconds. The after-effects ofthose conditions, syndromes, conditions managed within less than fiveminutes from the applications of the infrared trial lenses.

At block 106, ultraviolet (UV) trial lenses are evaluated forimprovement in visual performance and function. The UV trial lenses areevaluated to determine whether to include UV trial lens in theprescription. This may include determining the UV lens density orfrequency or wavelength to be selected (e.g., process 200).

At block 108, color trial lenses are evaluated. This may includedeterminations of which color or hue of the color trial lenses toinclude in the prescription (e.g., process 300). In one embodiment, thecolor trial lenses are separated into color groups each having multiplelenses each corresponding to different frequencies or wavelengths ordensities. In one exemplary embodiment, the color groups may includered, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. For example, eachcolor group may have two #1 density lenses, one #2 density lens, and one#3 density lens. The two #1 density lenses may be used together for thepatient's benefit when the patient does not benefit from a #2 densitylens. The testing procedure for a color may include a #1 trial lens, #1and #1 trial lenses, #2 trial lens, and #3 trial lens. The next colorgroup may then be selected and tested. For example, if a blue lens isselected then each of the yellow lenses may be tested to determine whichcombination results in the greatest improvement in visual performanceand function. It is appreciated that the use of each trial lens mayremove a negative response of the human eye while increasing the body'sresponse to the remaining transmitted light.

In one exemplary embodiment, each color group has two #1 density triallenses, one #3 density trial lens, and one #5 density trial lens therebyallowing combinations of various density levels from 1-10.

At block 110, each color trial lens selected is evaluated with andwithout UV trial lenses. This evaluation may include determining whetherto include a selected UV trial lens in combination with the color triallens based on improvement of visual performance and function. In oneembodiment, the UV trial lenses are introduced after a color trial lensis selected because the selected color trial lens may remove a portionof the UV light being transmitted. The evaluation of UV trial lenses maybe performed for each color group.

It is noted that darker or lighter refers to how much light is beingtransmitted to the eye. Darker means there is more color and less lightis transmitted to the eye across the entire spectrum. The frequency orwavelength of the color within each trial lens separates the lens fromother lenses. In one embodiment, each color trial lens corresponds to aunique frequency or wavelength of light.

At block 112, UV trial lens are evaluated. The UV trial lens may bereevaluated for improvement in visual performance and function after oneor more trial lenses are selected. In other words, consideration of theinclusion or exclusion of the UV trial lenses is undertaken.

At block 114, a prescription is recorded. The prescription may reflectthe order of the IR, UV, and color trial lenses and thereby thedensities or frequencies or wavelengths that result in visualimprovement for the patient.

In one embodiment, the overall performance of photoreceptor cells at theretinal level is improved thereby changing the electrical signals goingto the brain and changing blood flow. Embodiments of the presentinvention are operable to change the blood flow in the brain therebyresulting in measurable improvements in visual performance. Embodimentsof the present invention are operable to adjust light received by theeyes which can result in beneficial changes in hormone response (e.g.,seasonal effective disorder).

Embodiments of the present invention further facilitate increased visualacuity (e.g., more clear, bold, or distinct), increased visual field,enhanced visual saccade, increase contrast and sensitivity, increasedrecognition of visual color/hues, and increased blood flow resulting inenhanced cognitive response to visual queues. Embodiments of the presentinvention are operable determination of a resultant lens for increasedutility of both eyes working coordinately (e.g., vortex of function andfocus). For example, the eyes may not be seeing the same point resultingin some degree of reversal or dyslexia. This may create a perceptionthat things are moving or going in and out of focus. The improvementsfacilitated by embodiments of the present invention can be measured withmachines which determine where the pupils of both eyes are actuallyaiming.

Embodiments of the present invention are further operable to facilitatestabilization of the pupillary response to visual stimulation. Forexample, patients may have observable difficulty reading or duringexposure to certain light which manifests as an abnormal shape or notround pupil. The abnormal shape of the pupil may cause the patient toexperience eye fatigue, eye strain, and loss of place (e.g., whilereading). Embodiments of the present invention can stabilize thepupillary response to result in a round pupil thereby enhancing othermechanical and neurophysical aspects of vision.

Embodiments of the present invention additionally facilitate enhancedvisually evoked response time. For example, the time to blink whensomething comes toward your eye or time to shoot a weapon when somethingcomes into your visual field may be lessened. In other words,embodiments of the present invention are operable to enhanced visualresponse time. Each of these improvements may be monitored during thetrial lens (e.g., neurochromatic trial lens) selection process.

It is noted that some native populations have little trouble withnear-sightedness or far-sightedness, stigmatism, etc. until they startto read because of how their eyes have been adapted over centuries. Theproblems may develop as a result of prolonged focused vision.Embodiments of the present invention are operable to provide treatmentfor problems that develop as a result of prolonged focused vision.

Neurochromatic prescriptions determined, as described herein, areoperable for enhance visual performance and/or provide neurovisualtherapeutic intervention therapy for the symptoms, syndromes,conditions, and anomalies exemplified within Table I. It is appreciatedthat neurochromatic lenses may provide enhanced visual performanceand/or therapy for other symptoms, syndromes, conditions, and anomaliesas well.

TABLE I Exemplary symptoms, syndromes, conditions, and anomalies whichneurochromatic lens provide relief  1 Visual and auditory dyslexia.  2Blurred vision not fully corrected by ophthalmic lenses.  3 Contrastsensitivity compromises.  4 Color vision recognition compromises.  5Restricted or compromised neurovisual fields of vision.  6 Convergenceand divergence insufficiency.  7 Unilateral diplopia.  8 Compromises ofnight vision.  9 Wet and dry macular degeneration. 10 Visual aberrationsand delusions not related to a psychotic or delusional condition. 11Photophobia. 12 Visually evoked migraines. 13 Migraines characterized byaurora, photosensitivity, aberrations, dizziness, limited vision, orblindness. 14 Post migraines characterized by any one of the above. 15Visually evoked seizure phenomena characterized by light stimulation orby any one of the above. 16 Post seizure activity characterized by anyone of the above. 17 Cranial and brain hemorrhages. 18 Compromises ofvisual performance and cognitive awareness/alertness caused by bloodblockage or hemorrhages (e.g., stroke) and/or traumatic brain injuriesor post surgical trauma. 19 Some forms of schizophrenia or schizoidphenomena including delusional auditory and visually inducedhallucination-type activities. 20 Reduction in autistic-type overstimulation of the visual and auditory kind 21 Compromised saccadeperformance. 22 Irregular and inconsistent pupillary responses to lightand focus activities. 23 Compromised cognitive performance not relatedto conditioned responses of learning or physical development. 24 Eyepain and strain related to visual performance. 25 Headaches related tovisual pain or strain. 26 Neck and shoulder pain or distress related tovisual stress. 27 Compromised reading speeds related to visualperformance. 28 Compromised recall related to visual or auditorystimulation. 29 Non-migraine visually induced headaches, stress, ordiscomfort. 30 Seasonal affective disorder. 31 Computer vision syndrome.32 Compromises in depth recognition and perception. For example, somepatients cannot sustain a sight vocabulary or recognition of othervisual data which appears to be a problem of either cognition, memory,or concentration of the neurovisual data that was heretofore alreadycompromised. 33 Body coordination and physical performance requiringvisual stimulation as one of several variables of perception. 34Disorientation to space and motion. 35 Motion sickness. 36 Fear ofheights. 37 Claustrophobia-type responses that cause a constriction andexpansion of pupils seemingly consciously uncontrollable. 38 Some formsof general and specific anxiety disorders. 39 Physiologically relatedartistic performance. 40 Amblyopic (a.k.a. lazy eye) or wandering eye.41 Excessive eye dominance. 42 Suppressive vision or visual performanceof one eye not related to eye trauma, disease, or aging. 43 Specificphotophobia related to lighting conditions, working environments, tasks,seasons of the year, or tools. 44 Post surgical photophobia. 45 Posttraumatic brain injuries independent of hemorrhages or not. 46 Posttraumatic stress disorders or syndromes. 47 Post concussion hyper-lightsensitivity. 48 Compromised night vision. 49 Hyper-sensitive night orstorm-type related vision compromises. 50 Myopia phenomena. 51Astigmatism phenomena. 52 Strabismus phenomena. 53 “Comfort” or“performance” (e.g., +0.25 to +0.50) ophthalmic prescriptions. 54Pharmaceutical prescription induced photophobia, e.g., caused by mosthormonal based medications such as birth control or menopausalprescriptions. 55 Compromises in spatial differentiation. 56 Disparitybetween reading, writing, or mathematic capabilities as to any or all ofthese related to kinesthetic and/or mechanical aptitude. 57 Visualcomprehension enhanced by “hearing the words” inside one's head or byreading out-loud to process fully. 58 The use of a finger or any otherkind of marker or place keeper to read and maintain proper tracking 59High end near-sighted prescriptions. 60 Patients suffering from minor tosevere depression (e.g., situational to needs of chronic dimness orbrightness of light). 61 Lacking in physical coordination or clumsiness.62 Premature fatigue or sleepiness with prolonged visual tasks includingand not limited to driving, reading, sewing, sightseeing. 63 Nausea orupset stomach with visual tasks. 64 Abnormal pupillary sizes and shapesnot related to bright or darkness. 65 Patients who experience “glare” orexcessive brightness in normal lighting conditions and situations. 66Patients who cannot drive at night or in stormy conditions because offailed or compromised vision. 67 Patients who report a “smudged” or“fogged” vision where upon a physiological examination there are noknown causal factors. 68 Patients who report visual aberrations such asletters or words moving, switching, disappearing, fading away, changingsize or shape, having a glow or luminance around print or coming fromthe background of the print. These and other dyslexic symptoms are knownto respond to a neurochromatic lens. 69 Patients who see a whitebackground on the printed page, from art, as having a color or hue, orglare. 70 Patients who see night lighting such as street lights, vehiclelights as having a color or hue, streaks, or having an abnormal comfortor affect. 71 Patients affected by chronic and severe fevers. 72Patients affected by Down Syndrome. 73 Patients with compromises incognitive function caused by disease, accident, or trauma. 74 Patientswith varied degenerative muscular diseases. 75 Patients affected withchronic fatigue syndrome. 76 Limited or narrow band of light spectrumphotophobia. 77 Major depression not identified as seasonal affectivedisorder. 78 Post traumatic stress disorder visually evoked symptoms. 79Patients who complain or say there is excessive glare or aberrationsabound the words and images of printed material. 80 Patients whocomplain or say there never is enough light to read comfortably oreffectively. 81 Patients identified as having retinal pigmatosa, Graves'disease, chromic fatigue syndrome, degenerative muscle diseases ofvaried sorts, connective tissue diseases of varied sorts, lupuspatients, other auto-immune diseased or compromised patients, patientshaving chemo or radiation therapies. 82 Patients with albinoism. 83Compromised visually evoked responses. 84 Situational visual compromiseor visual difficulties.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selection of anultraviolet (UV) trial lens in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 200 may be performed by a physician (e.g.,optometrist or ophthalmologist) to select an UV lens for aneurochromatic prescription.

At block 202, a lighting element is activated. In one embodiment, thelight element may be full spectrum light operable for use in creating afull spectrum lighting environment. The lighting element may be a fullroom testing light. It is noted that without an appropriate lightingelement diagnoses and neurochromatic prescriptions may be negativelyimpacted.

It is appreciated that testing and prescribing of neurochromatic lensesmay necessitate a specific exposure to specific light where the patientexperiences compromised visual performance and corresponding symptoms(e.g., headaches or eye strain). Common causes may be environmental,vocational, or sports related (e.g., glare in a baseball field, underlight lights, “that time of day,” or using equipment during a dentalhygienic cleaning).

Generally speaking, patients are exposed to each of the lowest densityor the lightest color (e.g., #1 of each of the group of colors or tintedneurochromatic lenses). Each trial lens maybe be inserted by thephysician into the sliding tray of a refractor device (e.g.,neurochromatic refractor) and compared with another lens of anothercolor or same color just as two lenses would be compared in a standardophthalmic refractive process in eye examinations. A patient observes anobject selected and determined by a physician. In one embodiment, thesame object will be used throughout the entire examination. Thephysician may then determine which of the trial lenses makes the objectobserved the most in focus, most clear, and easiest to see for thepatient.

In one embodiment, the order in which lens (e.g., UV and color lens) areselected is maintained during the prescription determination process.Close attention to the order the lens are prescribed is maintainedbecause lens from the prescription will be manufactured according to theordering in the prescription. For example, the first lens selected willbe farthest from the patient's eye and each successive lens will becloser to the patient's eyes.

The prescription reflects the order in which the trial lenses are withinthe selected tray during the prescription process. In one embodiment,the neurochromatic refractor device and neurochromatic refractiveprescriptions can accommodate up to six trial lenses which areincorporated and ordered by the physician to manufacture a singleeyewear prescription. For example, the first chosen lens will be placedfurthest from the eyes. In one exemplary embodiment, the neurochromaticrefractor device may accommodate up to seven trial lens (e.g., six colorlenses and one UV lens).

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplaryconfiguration of selected trial lenses and a trial lens being tested inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 300includes trial lenses 302 a-d, patient's eye 310, and slide channel 308.Slide channel 308 may be part a refractor device, as described below,and facilitates testing of trial lens 302 a by allowing trial lens 302 ato be brought in and out of the patient's line of sight 312.

Selected trial lenses 304 include trial lenses 302 b-d which have beenselected on the basis improving the visual performance and visualfunction of the patient. In one embodiment, as each trial lens isselected, the selected trial lens is placed in front of the previouslyselected lenses. For example, if trial lens 302 is selected, trial lens302 will be placed in position 306 in front of selected trial lens 304.As shown in diagram 300, trial lens 302 d was selected before trial lens302 c which was selected before trial lens 302 b.

In one embodiment, the UV lens is maintained in a position farthest fromthe patient's eyes during the prescription process. During theprescription process if an UV trial lens is rejected in the first roundof the neurochromatic refraction prescription process, the UV trial lensmay be reintroduced after each of the other trial lenses (e.g., colortrial lenses) have been rejected. Each of the UV trial lenses may bereintroduced at the outermost distance away from the eyes.

The prescription process may be completed with use of a neurochromaticrefractor device as described in related copending non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket NumberNCVS-0001.US3, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC REFRACTOR,” with filing date______. The other trial lenses (e.g., non-UV) may be positioned in therefractor device in the order the lenses are prescribed with the firstlens being farthest away from the patient's eyes and the last prescribedtrial lens being closest to the patient's eyes.

It is appreciated that for accurate neurochromatic prescriptions,patients should wear their ophthalmic prescription during theneurochromatic refractive process. It is appreciated that if a patientwears a tinted lens, an anti-glare reflective lens, an ultravioletcoated lens, a progressively darkening lens (e.g., Corning Photo-Greylenses), Transition lenses, or polarized lenses, the prescriptionprocess may be negatively impacted. In one embodiment, patients withcontacts should wear them during the neurochromatic prescriptionprocess. The contact prescription should be free of any tint, which mayintroduce error into the neurochromatic prescription process.

Patients with surgically implanted artificial lens which have 100% UVprotection need not be exposed to the UV trial lenses. This is also truefor patients having ophthalmic prescriptions that already have an UVcoating. Accordingly, the presence or non-presence of an UV coating maybe determined prior to the neurochromatic prescription process.

The addition of an UV trial lens is anticipated to be about 50%. It isappreciated that the restriction of transmission of some UV lightthrough a plastic lens is already inhibited by absorbing anddistillation of the UV frequency within the plastic lens itself.Consequently, only some patients may require further reductions of theUV frequency.

Referring back to FIG. 2, at block 204, a first UV trial lens isselected. In one embodiment, a pre-selected lowest density UV trial lens(e.g., UV #1) is placed into a neurochromatic refractor in such fashionthat a patient may view through the UV trial lens at a near-pointreading object or a far-point eye chart. The objective being to improveor enhance the visual clarity, acuity, or functional sight by having thepatient look through the UV trial lens. The exact line or object ofeither the near or far point eye chart may be designed by the physician.The physician may then direct and ask the patient to follow thephysician's instructions and comment upon the visual clarity or acuitywith and without the patient viewing the selected object through the UVneurochromatic trial lens.

At block 206, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. Based on subjective and existential reporting of thepatient, determination of the visual clarity or performance and functionmay be determined. The physician may easily measure and confirm what thepatient has reported using the physician's standards applicable duringroutine eye or ophthalmic examinations. In one embodiment, a camera maybe used to record the neurochromatic prescription process. The cameramay be attached or coupled to a phoropter and/or a neurochromaticrefractor. The camera allows the physician to observe and recordpupillary responses and thereby determine the most proper trial lens orlenses (e.g., neurochromatic lenses). The camera allows recording ofprescription process in accordance with external examinationdeterminations subsequent to approval of specific neurochromatic CPT(Common Physician Terminology) and IDC (International code ofDiagnostic) codes.

The camera allows monitoring of the pupillary response and determiningwhether the pupil shape has responded to the trial lens. The camerathereby allows assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for pupillaryconditions. For example, the camera allows watching for a normalizedpupillary response which occurs with stabilized and enhanced vision. Thecamera further allows monitoring of pupil movement to determine whichtrial lenses are more effective, which show poor pupil movement, andwhich show good pupil movement. It is appreciated that monitoring thepatient's pupillary response provided a cross check to determine whetherthe patient's response is objective or subjective. In one exemplaryembodiment, the camera is used to record a time tagged movie of thepatient's responses to the trial lens which may be stored on a computer.

The physician may observe the patient taking into account both the easeupon which, and the time allotted to sustain and maintain focus with andwithout the UV trial lens. The physician may further take into accountthe variety of pupillary reactions including both size and shape of thepatient's pupil denoting consistency of a uniform pupillary responseeye-to-eye and uniform circular shape corresponding to and consistentwith normal versus abnormal or statistically infrequent pupillaryresponses to a fixed object of focus. Observation of pupillary responsemay be done via physician observation or by using a camera attached toan arm of a neurochromatic refractor.

If the patient reports back either an improvement or enhancement ofvisual clarity or performance and function with the UV trial lens versusviewing the object without the UV trial lens then the UV trial lens isselected over no UV trial lens. The patient's reporting of animprovement of, or an enhancement with the UV trial lens shouldcorrespond with the physician's observation that the patient's ease offocus and pupillary responses are more normalized when viewing throughthe UV trial lens. If the patient and the physician are unable to evokea positive improvement of visual function or performance, the UV triallens should not be selected or chosen. If there is an improvement, block208 is performed. If there is no improvement, block 214 is performed.

At block 208, the next UV trial lens is selected. If the patient hasselected the initial UV trial lens (e.g., UV trial lens #1), then thephysician selects the next highest density of the UV scale (e.g., UVtrial lens #2) for comparison against the initially selected UV triallens. In one embodiment, using a routine refraction of either plus orminus ophthalmic lenses the physician and patient may either select orreject UV trial lens #1 or #2.

At block 210, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If there is not an improvement, block 212 is performed. Ifthere is an improvement block 208 is performed. If the patient hasselected UV trial lens #2, then UV trial lens #2 may be compared againstUV trial lens #3. It is appreciated that additional levels of increasingdensity of UV trial lens may be tested and embodiments of the presentinvention are not intended to be limited to the exemplary discussion ofthree UV trial lens (e.g., #1-3).

At block 212, the previous UV trial lens that resulted in improvement invisual function is placed in a holding mechanism. For example, if thepatient has rejected UV trial lens #2 and favors UV trial lens #1, thenthe UV trial lens #1 is selected to remain in the neurochromaticrefractor's sliding tray. Whichever of the UV trial lens selected (e.g.,resulting in improved visual acuity) is placed into the holdingmechanism (e.g., tray) of the neurochromatic refractor and subsequentlycompared with the rest of the trial lenses (e.g., tinted or coloredtrial lenses).

At block 214, whether there are any remaining UV trial lenses to betested is determined. If the patient has rejected UV trial lens #1, thephysician will compare the patient's vision with UV trial lens #2 and #3by placement and viewing via the neurochromatic refractor's hold-slidingtray for comparative analysis, rejection, or selection (e.g., via blocks216 and 206). At block 216, the next UV trial lens is selected.

At block 218, color trial lens are evaluated or tested. The color triallens may be tested as described with respect to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selecting one ormore color trial lenses in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Process 400 may be performed by a physician (e.g.,optometrist or ophthalmologist) to select one or more color trial lensesfor a neurochromatic prescription. Process 400 may be performed whetheror not a patient has selected an UV trial lens. A physician may exposethe patient to color trial lenses starting with the lightest color, hue,or density of each of the colors present in a trial lens kit. The lowestdensity of each color trial lens may be marked or labeled #1 and eachincreasingly dense trial lens may be marked with a #2, #3, etc. Forexample, a blue colored or tinted trial lens may be identified as “BL1,” “BL 2,” and “BL 3.”

In one exemplary embodiment, the #1 lens is the lightest lens, #2 lensis next darkest, and #3 is the darkest. In one embodiment, process 400is performed starting with the lightest lens for each color and thensubsequent lenses which are increasingly dark. Increasingly dark lensesmay thus be tried while improvements are observed and when a trial lensjust results in increased darkness (e.g., casting a shadow or a sunglass effect), trial lens selection is made of the previous trial lensresulting in improvement in visual function. It is appreciated that a #1lens may not be half as dark as a #2 lens. For example, a yellow #1 lensmay be a very light yellow that may be hardly noticeable while a yellow#2 lens may have a tint substantially similar to a yellow traffic sign.It is noted that the different densities correspond to differentfrequencies or wavelengths that the trial lenses transmit.

At block 402, a color is selected. The color may be selected based onpathology of a patient or based on an ordering of a lens trial kit(e.g., color groups). In one embodiment, the basic colors are testedfirst.

At block 404, a first color trial lens is selected. In one embodiment,the first color trial lens selected has the lowest density for theselected color. For example, it may be the lowest density blue triallens of the trial lens kit (e.g., blue #1).

At block 406, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If there is an improvement block 408 is performed. If thereis not an improvement, block 426 is performed.

As the physician exposes the patient to each of lightest color or lowestdensity of the trial lenses, the physician observes the patient takinginto account both the ease upon which and the time allotted to sustainand maintain focus with each of the trial lenses. The physician may alsotake into account both the size and shape of the patient's pupilsdenoting consistency of a uniform pupillary response eye-to-eye anduniform circular shape corresponding to normal versus abnormal pupillaryresponses to a fixed object of focus.

At block 408, the next color trial lens is selected. As the prescriptiveprocess is performed, each density of the selected color of the triallenses is tested against the other trial lenses for the selected color.For example, a blue #1 trial lens is compared with a blue #2 trial lens.If the #2 trial lens is selected over a #1 trial lens, then the #2 triallens is compared with a #3 trial lens. The same clinical and visualcriteria for the trial lens selection is to be maintained by theprescribing physician as during an ophthalmic prescription.

At block 410, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If the patient reports either an improvement of visualfunction or an enhancement of visual clarity or performance and functionwith the trial lens versus viewing the same object without the colortrial lens, then the trial lens is selected. If there is an improvement,block 408 is performed. If there is not an improvement, block 412 isperformed.

At block 412, the previous color trial lens is placed in a holdingmechanism. If the patient's visual criteria is either improved orenhanced and the patient sees a color or any through the lens as a tint,then the darker or denser trial lens has been over-prescribed. Then thelower density trial lens with an observable improvement and without theperceived tint is selected. The selected lens is placed in the holdingrack of the refractive device closest to the patient's eyes. If an UVtrial lens was previously selected, the color trial lens will be placedcloser to the patient's eyes than the UV trial lens. In one embodiment,the selected lenses are added from the back toward the eye. For example,the second color trial lens selected is placed in front of (or closer tothe patient's eye) than the first selected color trial lens or UV triallens.

The physician selection process therefore determines which color groupsand which specific densities of the trial lenses in each color groupthat result in improvement in terms of visual function and visualperformance. For example, blue may be selected over yellow based on thepatient's responses and the physician observed improvements in thepatient's visual function or performance.

At block 414, whether an UV trial lens was previously selected isdetermined. If an UV trial lens was previously selected, block 416 isperformed. If an UV trial lens was not previously selected, block 424 isperformed.

In one embodiment, if an UV trial lens was previously selected prior toa colored trial lens, then the choice for or against the UV trial lensshould be challenged. This may include the density of the UV trial lensselected. Consequently, the physician removes the UV trial lens andcompares the color trial lens with and without the UV trial lens of eachdensity. For example, a selected color trial lens is compared with UVtrial lenses of #1 density, #2 density, and #3.

At block 416, the UV trial lens is removed.

At block 418, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined with and without an UV trial lens. If there is animprovement, block 420 is performed. If there is not an improvement,block 422 is performed.

Based on the clinical observations and the patient's improvement orenhancement of vision, the physician determines both the need for andthe particular density of the UV trial lens to be selected as one of thecomponent frequencies or wave lengths of light included or excluded fromthe refraction or neurochromatic prescription.

At block 420, the UV trial lens is removed from the selected triallenses. For example, the UV trial lens may be removed from the holdingmechanism of a neurochromatic refractor. In one embodiment, the UV triallens is returned to the trial lens kit.

At block 422, the UV trial lens is returned to the holding mechanismbecause the UV trial lens improves visual function.

At block 424, reevaluation for UV trial lens is performed. For example,a patient, who previously did not select an UV trial lens, is checkedfor improvement with UV trial lenses. In one embodiment, the UV triallens of each density are tested one at time in the neurochromaticrefractor at the furthest position from the patient's eyes. Thephysician and patient continue to execute and rely upon the sameclinical standards of measurement of visual acuity, visual ease andcomfort, performance, and enhancement as the clinical criteria forincluding an UV trial lens as one of the prescriptive elements of theneurochromatic prescription. It is appreciated that it is not uncommonfor a patient who has not selected an UV trial lens to select one.Similarly, it is appreciated that it is not uncommon for the UV triallens to be rejected at the end of the prescriptive process.

At block 426, whether any colors (e.g., color groups) remain to betested is determined. If colors remain, block 428 is performed. If thereare no other colors to be tested, block 430 is performed.

At block 428, a next color is selected. In one embodiment, the nextcolor group selected is based on an ordering of the trial lens kit.

At block 430, the neurochromatic prescription based on the trial lensselected is recorded. In one embodiment, the prescriptive process iscomplete when a patient accepts the a trial lens or lenses and theaddition of another trial lens compromises or make difficult thepatient's visual acuity, visual performance, visual function, or thereis a notable reduction of the patient's visual performance. That is, aneurochromatic prescription may be complete when visual performance andenhancement cannot be improved by the addition of other trial lenses.

In one embodiment, any one of a plurality trouble shooting strategiesmay be undertaken by a physician during the prescriptive process. It isnoted that in approximately 10% of the time a patient and physician maybe unable to determine the benefit by comparison between any two of thephysician selected neurochromatic trial lenses. It is noted that this isnot of concern as the manufactured neurochromatic trial lenses do notindividually or in collection with other trial lenses combine toarticulate a neurochromatic prescription to exemplify each and everycolor or hue that effect the patient neurologically orneurophysiologically by impacting the patient's neurovisual processingwithin the brain itself.

A variety of strategies may be used to accomplish a more thoroughexposure to more of the visual and non-visual spectrum to which thepatient may respond favorably. These strategies may include: 1) varyingthe hue, intensity, or density (e.g., darkness of color) of the selectedtrial lenses, 2) changing the order of the initial neurochromatic triallens prescription, 3) eliminating one or more of the initially selectedtrial lens (e.g., when there are three or more lenses within theprescription itself), 4) prescribing a slight modification to one ormore of trial lenses, and 5) an overt challenge to a pre-existingophthalmic prescription.

Changing the Hue, Density, Color:

If a patient has undistinguishable differentiation between any two ofthe trial lenses, by increasing each of the two trial lenses up the nexthighest density or color (e.g. up from a #1 to a #2, or up from a #2 toa #3), then a patient and physician can observe whether there is abenefit for each hue, density, or color.

In one embodiment, if the patient has selected a second or third leveldensity trial lens (e.g., #2 or #3), by reducing the density of thatselected trial lens, or all of the second or third preselected lensesmay make it possible for the patient to select the appropriate triallens. The increased or decreased density lenses may then be insertedinto the neurochromatic refractor device for testing and theprescriptive process continued thereby resolving the dilemma of a choicebetween any two of the trial lenses. The increased or decreased densitytrial lens should be inserted in place of the trial lens being replacedto maintain the ordering of trial lenses.

Changing the Order in which the Trial Lenses were Selected:

Patient and physician selections of neurochromatic trial lens may resultin patients being confused by dysfunctions of general photophobia andneurovisual processing disorders. A patient may experience immediatecomfort which may cause the patient and physician to initially choosethe wrong trial lens. This may be due to selection of comfort overpathology. For example, the absence of eye strain may favorably alter apatient's pupil shape and be confusing for the physician. The cause ofthis may be that the resulting comfort the patient is experiencing is aresult of the pathology to a frequency of light which has beendetrimentally affecting neurovisual processing and thereby causing thesymptoms. Though trial and error, with the exception of the UV triallens, changing the order of the trial lens prescriptions and determiningthe results favoring the more functional or enhanced vision in eachaltered order of the initial trial lens selection or prescription maythen be performed. The examination and prescription process may then becontinued in the order determined.

Eliminating One or More of the Previous Neurochromatic Trial Lenses:

Patients who present with multiple neurovisual and neurovisualprocessing disorders, symptoms or syndromes, are most commonly severelyphotophobic. Thus, darkness of any kind provides relief to suchpatients. For the physician this is problematic because symptoms,syndromes, and disorders often camouflage each other, thereby making itdifficult to clinically differentiate. This may lead to these patientsbeing prescribed multiple trial lenses of greater density.

However, once darkness is accomplished addressing most likelyphotophobia of a more general sort versus wave-length or frequencyspecific photophobia, the selection of more specific trial lenses is nowpossible. In one embodiment, upon the patient reporting that a triallens is too dark or observes a tint when looking through the trial lensonto a white surface, there are two options: 1) reduce the density orhue of any trial lenses that do not exemplify a base trial lens (e.g.,#1 trial lens) which has previously been prescribed or 2) completelyeliminate any one of the trial lenses within the prescriptive formulachoosing from the selection the specific trial lens for which thepatient will denote a color or hue on a white surface during theexamination and prescriptive process.

Increasing or Decreasing the Predetermined Trial Lens Selected:

Some patients may require increased darkness or hue while some patientswill require less darkness or hue than in the trial lenses. Patientsneeding increased darkness or hue may be prescribed a quarter gradient.For example, if blue #1 is insufficient while blue #2 is an overprescription (e.g., seeing color or tint on white object), theprescription could be blue #1+50%. Similarly, if blue #1 is an overprescription, the prescription could be blue #1−50%.

Challenge an Ophthalmic Prescription:

Due to the complexity of visual systems, the natures and pathologies ofsome patients, the ophthalmic prescription may be in error. Such anerror is frequently a manufacturing error not congruent with aphysician's orders. It is also possible that the physician did a “bestguess” ophthalmic prescription. An ophthalmic prescription in error willlikely negatively impact the ability to make an accurate neurochromaticprescription.

In one embodiment, the following three strategies may be performed.First, the ophthalmic prescription may be checked and verified formanufacturing error at another manufacturing laboratory other than theone which manufactured the lenses. If an error is found, the lenses maybe remanufactured matching the physician's prescription.

Second, to the extent possible the closest neurochromatic prescriptionmay be determined. A completely accurate neurochromatic prescription maynot be possible because the ophthalmic prescription is not accurate.However, using the neurochromatic prescription in front of the patient'seyes and another ophthalmic refractive examination may be performed. Ifthere are ophthalmic changes, which may be common, anotherneurochromatic prescription process may then be performed when a morecorrect and altered ophthalmic prescription can be worn by the patient.

Third, in some cases a patient's neurovisual processing is so negativelyeffected by the light that a physician cannot determine an appropriatenor accurate ophthalmic prescription. In such a case, a neurochromaticresultant lens may be made prior and worn during the standard ophthalmicexamination. Generally, the physician will be able to more readily andaccurately determine a standard ophthalmic prescription by having thepatient view through the trial lens with the patient holding theselected trial lens in place. After the ophthalmic prescription isprescribed, the neurochromatic prescription may be removed and theneurochromatic prescription redone. It is expected that theneurochromatic prescription will be different.

It is appreciated that protection from an over-prescription should bequickly undertaken. Over-prescription may manifest as a compromisedvision including making visual function blurry. Procedures to protectfrom over-prescription may include:

Visual performance and function have been improved by assessing beforeand after criteria established by pre-existing symptoms and syndromestherapeutically address by the prescribed neurochromatic lenses.

White appears white while colors become more distinct, more bold, withnotable improvements in contrast sensitivities noted and treated withneurochromatic lenses. White may appear to a patient as very slightly“shaded.” In other words, abnormally higher amounts of “glare” have beenneurochromatically altered by the neurochromatic trial lens.

Improvements in saccade should be noted. There will be increased ease insight recognition, reading speed, and flow while a patient is wearingthe neurochromatic lenses as compared to not wearing the neurochromaticlenses.

Patients should have a measurable increase in visual performance andfunction at all distances with the resultant prescribed neurochromaticlenses as compared to the same viewing without the neurochromaticlenses. Patients should have a measurable increase in their visualfields as a result of wearing the resultant prescribed neurochromaticlenses as compared to the same determination without the wearing of theprescribed neurochromatic lenses.

Longstanding conditions, symptoms, syndromes, complications (e.g.,cerebral hemorrhage, strokes, brain swelling, and reduced consciousness)will frequently respond favorably to trial lens and neurochromaticallyprescribed lenses. The observation in terms of positive changes withinthe patient may take days or weeks. It is noted that sinceneurochromatic lenses are a noninvasive therapeutic intervention, littleif any harm can be done. It is appreciated that many patients havedramatic improvements through the use of neurochromatic prescriptivelenses.

FIG. 5A-B show exemplary neurochromatic prescriptions in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows an exemplaryprescription 500 comprising ophthalmic prescription 502 andneurochromatic prescription 504. Ophthalmic prescription 502 may be aconventional ophthalmic prescription (e.g., for near-sightedness orfar-sightedness). Neurochromatic prescription 504 comprises NCV-Rx Bl-2,Yl-1 which indicates that the patient needs a lens with blue of #2density or frequency or wavelength and yellow of #1 density.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary neurochromatic prescription 550. Prescription550 may be for a patient who has normal vision (e.g., does not need anophthalmic prescription) but can benefit from neurochromatic lenses.Prescription 550 includes neurochromatic prescription 552 whichcomprises NCV-Rx IR-1, Bl-2, Yl-1, UV-1 which indicates that the patientneeds a lens with infrared of #1 density or frequency or wavelength,blue of #2 density, yellow of #1 density, and UV of #1 density.

Lenses may then be manufactured in accordance with the order of theprescription. The trial lenses that are selected correspond to thelayers of the resultant lens and reflect the order of lens saturation.In one embodiment, the order is a contingent component in themanufacturing process. In one embodiment, the resultant lens material isheated and dyed with a first frequency or wavelength, bleached back, andthen dyed with a second frequency or wavelength. The heating allows forsome expansion and facilitates increased absorption of the dyes. Theamount of time and the temperature impact the lens darkness. In oneembodiment, a resultant lens based on the prescription has anintermingling (or saturation) of the adjacent dyes. For example, aresultant lens having Blue #1 and Yellow #2 would have a region ofintermingling of blue #1 and Yellow #2.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining aneurochromatic prescription in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 600 includes evaluating each of a set ofultraviolet (UV) trial lenses, neutral density (ND) trial lenses, andcolor trial lenses (including infrared (IR) trial lenses) for resultingimprovements in visual performance and function. Portions of processes600-900 may be performed as depicted in FIG. 3 as described herein.Embodiments of the present invention are operable to improve a varietyof various visual performance and visual function characteristicsincluding improved visual acuity (e.g., more clear and enhanced visualperception of distant objects), improved visual field, enhanced visualsaccade (e.g., eye movement across a page), increased contrastsensitivity, and increased recognition of color hues. Embodiments of thepresent invention are further operable to improve visual performance andvisual function characteristics including increased eye coordination,increased pupil stabilization (e.g., stabilization of pupil shape toround), improved visual invoked response time (e.g., vision to actiontime), and improved blood flow in the brain which results in enhancementto cognitive response to visual cues. The following terms may betrademarked or protected: neurochromatic and neurochromatic refraction.

In one embodiment, the improvement in visual performance and functionare substantially similar to the improvements in visual performance andfunction that ophthalmologists and optometrists look for. Embodiments ofthe present invention are operable for determination of a neurochromaticprescription resulting in neurological and physiological improvement.Embodiments of the present invention comprise a process for selecting aplurality of trial lenses, each corresponding to frequencies orwavelengths to be used in combination to create a prescription and aresultant lens to increase visual function (e.g., visual performance andvisual function characteristics mentioned above).

For each trial lens, patients may be asked which trial lens results inthe viewing object (e.g., near or far chart) being visually sharper,clearer, or more distinct. This will be paired with enhanced visualfunction(s) which may be measured in a variety of ways including:improved saccade, changes in visual field, increase in ability toperceive (e.g., increased ability to identify colors that would nototherwise be seen). For example, the patient may be asked whether thetrial lens makes things clearer, bold, less blurry on the near or farchart. The physician may ask which lens is “most clear?” or “mostfocused?”

In one embodiment, process 600 is performed with use of a trial lens kitdescribed in related copending non-provisional patent application Ser.No. ______, Attorney Docket Number NCVS-0001.US2, entitled“NEUROCHROMATIC TRIAL LENS KIT,” with filing date ______, and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the triallens kit is arranged so that the physician may move sequentially throughthe lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the trial lens kit is setup totest ultraviolet (UV) trial lenses, neutral density trial lenses, colortrial lenses (including IR trial lenses), and optionally UV trial lensesagain if no UV trial lens has been selected.

At block 602, examination equipment is activated. In one embodiment, theexamination equipment includes a lighting element which may be a fullspectrum lighting element for creating a full spectrum lightingenvironment for a neurochromatic refractor. The examination equipmentmay further include a camera for observing a patient's response (e.g.,pupillary response) to a trial lens. It is noted that without anappropriate lighting element diagnoses and neurochromatic prescriptionsmay be negatively impacted.

At block 604, ultraviolet (UV) trial lenses are evaluated forimprovement in visual function. The UV trial lenses are evaluated todetermine whether to include UV trial lens in the prescription. This mayinclude determining the UV lens density or frequency or wavelength to beselected (e.g., process 700).

At block 606, neutral density (ND) lenses trial lenses are evaluated forimprovement in visual function. This may include determining the ND lensdensity or frequency or wavelength to be selected (e.g., in a mannersubstantially similar to process 700). ND lenses may be tested with apatient and selected in a substantially similar manner to processes 700,800, 100, 200, or 400. It is appreciated that additional lenses (e.g.,plated lenses) may be tested with a patient and selected in asubstantially similar manner to processes 700, 800, or 100. For example,a patient may be tested with ND #1 trial lens and if there is animprovement in visual function, the patient may be tested with two ND #1trial lenses. If there is no improvement in visual function results fromthe two ND #1 trial lenses, the ND #1 trial lens may be selected for theneurochromatic prescription and block 608 may be performed.

If the two ND #1 trial lenses result in improvement in visual function,then a ND #2 trial lens may be tested. If there is no improvement invisual function with the ND #2 trial lens, the two ND #1 trial lenseswill be selected for the neurochromatic prescription and block 608 maybe performed. If there is an improvement in visual function with the ND#2 trial lens, a ND #3 trial lens may then be tested. If there is animprovement in visual function with the ND #3 trial lens, then the ND #3trial lens is selected for addition to the neurochromatic prescriptionand the block 608 is performed. If there is no improvement in visualfunction with the ND #3 trial lens, then the ND #2 trial lens isselected for addition to the neurochromatic prescription and block 608is performed.

At block 608, color trial lenses are evaluated. This may includedeterminations of which color or hue of the color trial lenses toinclude in the prescription (e.g., process 800). In one embodiment, thecolor trial lenses are separated into color groups each having multiplelenses each corresponding to different frequencies or wavelengths ordensities. In one exemplary embodiment, the color groups may includered, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the color groups may include brown, orange, amber,yellow, green, moss green, pink, red, burgundy, rosewood, lavender,violet, royal blue, blue, sky blue, and aqua. For example, each colorgroup may have two #1 density lenses, one #2 density lens, and one #3density lens. The two #1 density lenses may be used together for thepatient's benefit when the patient does not benefit from a #2 densitylens. The testing procedure for a color may include a #1 trial lens, #1and #1 trial lenses, #2 trial lens, and #3 trial lens. The next colorgroup may then be selected and tested. For example, if a blue lens isselected then each of the yellow lenses may be tested to determine whichcombination results in the greatest improvement in visual performanceand function. It is appreciated that the use of each trial lens mayremove a negative response of the human eye while increasing the body'sresponse to the remaining transmitted light.

In one exemplary embodiment, each color group has two #1 density triallenses, one #3 density trial lens, and one #5 density trial lens therebyallowing combinations of various density levels from 1-10.

In one embodiment, the color lenses may include infrared (IR) triallenses to be evaluated for improvement in visual function. As describedfurther herein, patients may be checked for a variety of conditionswhich indicate that the patients benefit from IR trial lens.

Patients with a traumatic brain injury, reduced levels of consciousnessnot induced by medications, cerebral hemorrhages, brain swelling,strokes, seizure disorders, migraines, ongoing and untreated chemicaldependency of any substance, and severe auto-immune complex reactionoften have an immediate reduction of symptoms and complications whenintroduced to infrared (IR) trial lenses or any other trial lenses(e.g., neurochromatic lens) or with an neurochromatic prescription. Inone exemplary embodiment, IR lenses are the first choice due toincreased probability of increased patient response. In one embodiment,such results occur when each or almost all of the available infraredtrial lenses are used and prescribed. Generally, infrared trial lens areprescribed within the context of a neurochromatic prescription processfor the purposes of either treating one of many neurovisual compromisesor to enhance visual performance.

In one embodiment, if the patient's history or known dysfunctionincludes one of the above mentioned visually evoked phenomena, symptoms,or syndromes, it is recommended that the physician have available IRtrial lenses for an aggressive and immediate therapeutic intervention.Patients having visually evoked or responses to light which eithertrigger or agitate the symptoms of a migraine, seizure, unexplainedauto-immune responses, and withdrawal symptoms from chemical dependencymay experience a reduction, if not cessation, of the symptoms andsyndromes within 5-30 seconds of wearing a trial lens saturated tofilter the maximum infrared.

It is noted that exposure to a neurochromatic trial lens may trigger anyone of the symptoms or syndromes while exposure to any one of the triallens may immediately halt, control, or diminish the visually evokedmigraine, seizure, auto-immune complex response, and symptoms of moodaltering drug withdrawal. The determining of the neurochromaticprescription may necessitate exposure to both types of trial lenses.Accordingly, the physician should have infrared trial lenses ready forsuch type of patients.

In one embodiment, should a patient have any of these dangerousneurovisual processing disorder caused conditions, syndromes, orcomplications, a physician should apply infrared trial lens to thepatient. The complications, syndromes, headaches, seizures (tongue andtongue swallowing emergency responses should be ready), auto-immune andwithdrawal symptoms may begin to reverse within approximately fiveseconds. Complete patient control and reversal of phenomenon might belikely regained within less than 30-60 seconds. The after-effects ofthose conditions, syndromes, conditions managed within less than fiveminutes from the applications of the infrared trial lenses.

At block 610, where a UV trial lens or lenses has not been selected, theUV trial lenses are evaluated with the selected neutral density lenses,selected color trial lenses, and any other selected trial lenses (e.g.,plated lenses). The UV trial lens may be reevaluated for improvement invisual performance and function after one or more trial lenses (e.g.,color and/or neutral density lenses) are selected. In other words,consideration of the inclusion or exclusion of the UV trial lenses isundertaken. This evaluation may include determining whether to include aselected UV trial lens in combination with the color trial lens based onimprovement of visual performance and function. In one embodiment, theUV trial lenses are introduced after a color trial lens is selectedbecause the selected color trial lens may remove a portion of the UVlight being transmitted.

It is noted that darker or lighter refers to how much light is beingtransmitted to the eye. Darker means there is more color and less lightis transmitted to the eye across the entire spectrum. The frequency orwavelength of the color within each trial lens separates the lens fromother lenses. In one embodiment, each color trial lens corresponds to aunique frequency or wavelength of light.

At block 612, a prescription is recorded. The prescription may reflectthe order of the UV, ND, and color trial lenses (including IR lenses)and thereby the densities or frequencies or wavelengths that result invisual improvement for the patient.

In one embodiment, the overall performance of photoreceptor cells at theretinal level is improved thereby changing the electrical signals goingto the brain and changing blood flow. Embodiments of the presentinvention are operable to change the blood flow in the brain therebyresulting in measurable improvements in visual performance. Embodimentsof the present invention are operable to adjust light received by theeyes which can result in beneficial changes in hormone response (e.g.,seasonal effective disorder).

Embodiments of the present invention further facilitate increased visualacuity (e.g., more clear, bold, or distinct), increased visual field,enhanced visual saccade, increase contrast and sensitivity, increasedrecognition of visual color/hues, and increased blood flow resulting inenhanced cognitive response to visual queues. Embodiments of the presentinvention are operable for determination of a resultant lens forincreased utility of both eyes working coordinately (e.g., vortex offunction and focus). For example, the eyes may not be seeing the samepoint resulting in some degree of reversal or dyslexia. This may createa perception that things are moving or going in and out of focus. Theimprovements facilitated by embodiments of the present invention can bemeasured with machines which determine where the pupils of both eyes areactually aiming.

Embodiments of the present invention are further operable to facilitatestabilization of the pupillary response to visual stimulation. Forexample, patients may have observable difficulty reading or duringexposure to certain light which manifests as an abnormal shape or notround pupil. The abnormal shape of the pupil may cause the patient toexperience eye fatigue, eye strain, and loss of place (e.g., whilereading). Embodiments of the present invention can stabilize thepupillary response to result in a round pupil thereby enhancing othermechanical and neurophysical aspects of vision.

Embodiments of the present invention additionally facilitate enhancedvisually evoked response time. For example, the time to blink whensomething comes toward your eye or time to shoot a weapon when somethingcomes into your visual field may be lessened. In other words,embodiments of the present invention are operable to enhanced visualresponse time. Each of these improvements may be monitored during thetrial lens (e.g., neurochromatic trial lens) selection process.

It is noted that some native populations have little trouble withnear-sightedness or far-sightedness, stigmatism, etc. until they startto read because of how their eyes have been adapted over centuries. Theproblems may develop as a result of prolonged focused vision.Embodiments of the present invention are operable to provide treatmentfor problems that develop as a result of prolonged focused vision.

Neurochromatic prescriptions determined, as described herein, areoperable for enhance visual performance and/or provide neurovisualtherapeutic intervention therapy for the symptoms, syndromes,conditions, and anomalies exemplified within Table I. It is appreciatedthat neurochromatic lenses may provide enhanced visual performanceand/or therapy for other symptoms, syndromes, conditions, and anomaliesas well.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selection of anultraviolet (UV) trial lens in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. Process 700 may be performed by a physician (e.g.,optometrist or ophthalmologist) to select an UV lens for aneurochromatic prescription.

At block 702, examination equipment is activated. In one embodiment, theexamination equipment includes a the light element which may be fullspectrum light operable for use in creating a full spectrum lightingenvironment for a neurochromatic refractor. The lighting element may bea full room testing light. It is noted that without an appropriatelighting element diagnoses and neurochromatic prescriptions may benegatively impacted. The examination equipment may further include acamera for observing a patient's response (e.g., pupillary response) toa trial lens.

It is appreciated that testing and prescribing of neurochromatic lensesmay necessitate a specific exposure to specific light where the patientexperiences compromised visual performance and corresponding symptoms(e.g., headaches or eye strain). Common causes may be environmental,vocational, or sports related (e.g., glare in a baseball field, underlight lights, “that time of day,” or using equipment during a dentalhygienic cleaning).

Generally speaking, patients are exposed to each of the lowest densityor the lightest color (e.g., #1 of each of the group of colors or tintedneurochromatic lenses). Each trial lens maybe be inserted by thephysician into the sliding tray of a refractor device (e.g.,neurochromatic refractor) and compared with another lens of anothercolor or same color just as two lenses would be compared in a standardophthalmic refractive process in eye examinations. A patient observes anobject selected and determined by a physician. In one embodiment, thesame object will be used throughout the entire examination. Thephysician may then determine which of the trial lenses makes the objectobserved the most in focus, most clear, and easiest to see for thepatient.

In one embodiment, the order in which lenses (e.g., UV, ND, and colorlenses) are selected is maintained during the prescription determinationprocess. Close attention to the order the lens are prescribed ismaintained because lens from the prescription will be manufacturedaccording to the ordering in the prescription. For example, the firstlens selected will be farthest from the patient's eye and eachsuccessive lens will be closer to the patient's eyes.

The prescription reflects the order in which the trial lenses are withinthe selected tray during the prescription process. In one embodiment,the neurochromatic refractor device and neurochromatic refractiveprescriptions can accommodate up to six trial lenses which areincorporated and ordered by the physician to manufacture a singleeyewear prescription. For example, the first chosen lens will be placedfurthest from the eyes. In one exemplary embodiment, the neurochromaticrefractor device may accommodate up to seven trial lens (e.g., six colorlenses and one UV lens).

In one embodiment, the UV lens is maintained in a position farthest fromthe patient's eyes during the prescription process. During theprescription process if an UV trial lens is rejected in the first roundof the neurochromatic refraction prescription process, the UV trial lensmay be reintroduced after the other trial lenses (e.g., color triallenses) have been tested (e.g., accepted or rejected). The UV triallenses may be reintroduced at the outermost distance away from the eyes.

The prescription process may be completed with use of a neurochromaticrefractor device as described in related copending non-provisionalpatent application Ser. No. ______, Attorney Docket NumberNCVS-0001.US3, entitled “NEUROCHROMATIC REFRACTOR,” with filing date______. The other trial lenses (e.g., non-UV) may be positioned in therefractor device in the order the lenses are prescribed with the firstlens being farthest away from the patient's eyes and the last prescribedtrial lens being closest to the patient's eyes.

It is appreciated that for accurate neurochromatic prescriptions invarious embodiments, patients should wear their ophthalmic prescriptionduring the neurochromatic refractive process. It is appreciated that ifa patient wears a tinted lens, an anti-glare reflective lens, anultraviolet coated lens, a progressively darkening lens (e.g., CorningPhoto-Grey lenses), Transition lenses, or polarized lenses, theprescription process may be negatively impacted. In one embodiment,patients with contacts should wear them during the neurochromaticprescription process. The contact prescription should be free of anytint, which may introduce error into the neurochromatic prescriptionprocess.

Patients with surgically implanted artificial lenses which have 100% UVprotection need not be exposed to the UV trial lenses. This is also truefor patients having ophthalmic prescriptions that already have an UVcoating. Accordingly, the presence or non-presence of an UV coating maybe determined prior to the neurochromatic prescription process.

The addition of an UV trial lens is anticipated to be about 50%. It isappreciated that the restriction of transmission of some UV lightthrough a plastic lens is already inhibited by absorbing anddistillation of the UV frequency within the plastic lens itself.Consequently, only some patients may require further reductions of theUV frequency.

Referring back to FIG. 7, at block 704, a first UV trial lens isselected. In one embodiment, a pre-selected lowest density UV trial lens(e.g., UV #1) is placed into a neurochromatic refractor in such fashionthat a patient may view through the UV trial lens at a near-pointreading object or a far-point eye chart. The objective being to improveor enhance the visual clarity, acuity, or functional sight by having thepatient look through the UV trial lens. The exact line or object ofeither the near or far point eye chart may be designed by the physician.The physician may then direct and ask the patient to follow thephysician's instructions and comment upon the visual clarity or acuitywith and without the patient viewing the selected object through the UVneurochromatic trial lens.

At block 706, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. Based on subjective and existential reporting of thepatient, determination of the visual clarity or performance and functionmay be determined. The physician may easily measure and confirm what thepatient has reported using the physician's standards applicable duringroutine eye or ophthalmic examinations. In one embodiment, a camera(e.g., infrared camera and/or visual spectrum camera) may be used torecord the neurochromatic prescription process. The camera may beattached or coupled to a phoropter and/or a neurochromatic refractor.The camera allows the physician to observe and record pupillaryresponses and thereby determine the most proper trial lens or lenses(e.g., neurochromatic lenses). The camera allows recording ofprescription process in accordance with external examinationdeterminations subsequent to approval of specific neurochromatic CPT(Common Physician Terminology) and ICD (International Code ofDiagnostic) codes.

The camera allows monitoring of the pupillary response and determiningwhether the pupil shape has responded to the trial lens. The camerathereby allows assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for pupillaryconditions. For example, the camera allows watching for a normalizedpupillary response which occurs with stabilized and enhanced vision. Thecamera further allows monitoring of pupil movement to determine whichtrial lenses are more effective, which show poor pupil movement, andwhich show good pupil movement. It is appreciated that monitoring thepatient's pupillary response provides a cross check to determine whetherthe patient's response is objective or subjective. In one exemplaryembodiment, the camera is used to record a time tagged movie of thepatient's responses to the trial lens which may be stored on a computer.

The physician may observe the patient taking into account both the easeupon which, and the time allotted to sustain and maintain focus with andwithout the UV trial lens. The physician may further take into accountthe variety of pupillary reactions including both size and shape of thepatient's pupil denoting consistency of a uniform pupillary responseeye-to-eye and uniform circular shape corresponding to and consistentwith normal versus abnormal or statistically infrequent pupillaryresponses to a fixed object of focus. Observation of pupillary responsemay be done via physician observation or by using a camera attached toan arm of a neurochromatic refractor.

If the patient reports back either an improvement or enhancement ofvisual clarity or performance and function with the UV trial lens versusviewing the object without the UV trial lens then the UV trial lens isselected over no UV trial lens. The patient's reporting of animprovement of, or an enhancement with the UV trial lens shouldcorrespond with the physician's observation that the patient's ease offocus and pupillary responses are more normalized when viewing throughthe UV trial lens. If the patient and the physician are unable to evokea positive improvement of visual function or performance, the UV triallens should not be selected or chosen. If there is an improvement, block708 is performed. If there is no improvement, block 714 is performed.

At block 708, the next UV trial lens is selected. If the patient hasselected the initial UV trial lens (e.g., UV trial lens #1), then thephysician selects the next highest density of the UV scale (e.g., UVtrial lens #2) for comparison against the initially selected UV triallens. In one embodiment, using a routine refraction of either plus orminus ophthalmic lenses the physician and patient may either select orreject UV trial lens #1 or #2.

At block 710, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If there is not an improvement, block 712 is performed. Ifthere is an improvement block 708 is performed. If the patient hasselected UV trial lens #2, then UV trial lens #2 may be compared againstUV trial lens #3. It is appreciated that additional levels of increasingdensity of UV trial lens may be tested and embodiments of the presentinvention are not intended to be limited to the exemplary discussion ofthree UV trial lens (e.g., #1-3).

At block 712, the previous UV trial lens that resulted in improvement invisual function is placed in a holding mechanism. For example, if thepatient has rejected UV trial lens #2 and favors UV trial lens #1, thenthe UV trial lens #1 is selected to remain in the neurochromaticrefractor's sliding tray. Whichever of the UV trial lens selected (e.g.,resulting in improved visual acuity) is placed into the holdingmechanism (e.g., tray) of the neurochromatic refractor and subsequentlycompared with the rest of the trial lenses (e.g., tinted or coloredtrial lenses).

At block 714, whether there are any remaining UV trial lenses to betested is determined. If the patient has rejected UV trial lens #1, thephysician will compare the patient's vision with UV trial lens #2 and #3by placement and viewing via the neurochromatic refractor's hold-slidingtray for comparative analysis, rejection, or selection (e.g., via blocks716 and 706). At block 716, the next UV trial lens is selected.

At block 718, color trial lens are evaluated or tested. The color triallens may be tested as described with respect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for selecting one ormore color trial lenses in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. Process 800 may be performed by a physician (e.g.,optometrist or ophthalmologist) to select one or more color trial lensesfor a neurochromatic prescription. Process 800 may be performed whetheror not a patient has selected an UV trial lens. A physician may exposethe patient to color trial lenses starting with the lightest color, hue,or density of each of the colors present in a trial lens kit. The lowestdensity of each color trial lens may be marked or labeled #1 and eachincreasingly dense trial lens may be marked with a #2, #3, etc. Forexample, a blue colored or tinted trial lens may be identified as “BL1,” “BL 2,” and “BL 3.”

In one exemplary embodiment, the #1 lens is the lightest lens, #2 lensis next darkest, and #3 is the darkest. In one embodiment, process 800is performed starting with the lightest lens for each color and thensubsequent lenses which are increasingly dark. Increasingly dark lensesmay thus be tried while improvements are observed and when a trial lensjust results in increased darkness (e.g., casting a shadow or a sunglass effect), trial lens selection is made of the previous trial lensresulting in improvement in visual function. It is appreciated that a #1lens may not be half as dark as a #2 lens. For example, a yellow #1 lensmay be a very light yellow that may be hardly noticeable while a yellow#2 lens may have a tint substantially similar to a yellow traffic sign.It is noted that the different densities correspond to differentfrequencies or wavelengths that the trial lenses transmit.

At block 802, a color is selected. The color may be selected based onpathology of a patient or based on an ordering of a lens trial kit(e.g., color groups). In one embodiment, the basic colors are testedfirst. In one embodiment, the color groups include an infrared (IR)group. In one exemplary embodiment, the color groups include brown,orange, amber, yellow, green, moss green, pink, red, burgundy, rosewood,lavender, violet, royal blue, blue, sky blue, and aqua.

At block 804, a first color trial lens is selected. In one embodiment,the first color trial lens selected has the lowest density for theselected color. For example, it may be the lowest density blue triallens of the trial lens kit (e.g., blue #1).

At block 806, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If there is an improvement block 808 is performed. If thereis not an improvement, block 826 is performed.

As the physician exposes the patient to each of lightest color or lowestdensity of the trial lenses, the physician observes the patient takinginto account both the ease upon which and the time allotted to sustainand maintain focus with each of the trial lenses. The physician may alsotake into account both the size and shape of the patient's pupilsdenoting consistency of a uniform pupillary response eye-to-eye anduniform circular shape corresponding to normal versus abnormal pupillaryresponses to a fixed object of focus.

At block 808, the next color trial lens is selected. As the prescriptiveprocess is performed, each density of the selected color of the triallenses is tested against the other trial lenses for the selected color.For example, a blue #1 trial lens is compared with a blue #2 trial lens.If the #2 trial lens is selected over a #1 trial lens, then the #2 triallens is compared with a #3 trial lens. The same clinical and visualcriteria for the trial lens selection may be maintained by theprescribing physician as during an ophthalmic prescription.

At block 810, whether there is an improvement in visual function isdetermined. If the patient reports either an improvement of visualfunction or an enhancement of visual clarity or performance and functionwith the trial lens versus viewing the same object without the colortrial lens, then the trial lens is selected. If there is an improvement,block 808 is performed. If there is not an improvement, block 812 isperformed.

At block 812, the previous color trial lens is placed in a holdingmechanism. If the patient's visual criteria is either improved orenhanced and the patient sees a color or any through the lens as a tint,then the darker or denser trial lens has been over-prescribed. Then thelower density trial lens with an observable improvement and without theperceived tint is selected. The selected lens is placed in the holdingrack of the refractive device closest to the patient's eyes. If an UVtrial lens was previously selected, the color trial lens will be placedcloser to the patient's eyes than the UV trial lens. In one embodiment,the selected lenses are added from the back toward the eye. For example,the second color trial lens selected is placed in front of (or closer tothe patient's eye) than the first selected color trial lens or UV triallens.

The physician selection process therefore determines which color groupsand which specific densities of the trial lenses in each color groupthat result in improvement in terms of visual function and visualperformance. For example, blue may be selected over yellow based on thepatient's responses and the physician observed improvements in thepatient's visual function or performance.

At block 826, whether any colors (e.g., color groups) remain to betested is determined. If colors remain, block 828 is performed. If thereare no other colors to be tested, block 830 is performed.

At block 828, a next color is selected. In one embodiment, the nextcolor group selected is based on an ordering of the trial lens kit.

At block 830, reevaluation for UV trial lens is performed. If an UVtrial lens was not previously selected, the patient may be tested orexamined with any selected neutral density and color trial lenses incombination with UV trial lenses (e.g., with process 700). For example,a patient, who previously did not select an UV trial lens, is checkedfor improvement with UV trial lenses. In one embodiment, the UV triallens of each density are tested one at time in the neurochromaticrefractor at the furthest position from the patient's eyes. Thephysician and patient continue to execute and rely upon the sameclinical standards of measurement of visual acuity, visual ease andcomfort, performance, and enhancement as the clinical criteria forincluding an UV trial lens as one of the prescriptive elements of theneurochromatic prescription. It is appreciated that it is not uncommonfor a patient who has not selected an UV trial lens to select one.Similarly, it is appreciated that it is not uncommon for the UV triallens to be rejected at the end of the prescriptive process.

In one embodiment, if an UV trial lens was previously selected prior toa colored trial lens, then the choice for or against the UV trial lensshould be challenged. This may include the density of the UV trial lensselected. Based on the clinical observations and the patient'simprovement or enhancement of vision, the physician determines both theneed for and the particular density of the UV trial lens to be selectedas one of the component frequencies or wave lengths of light included orexcluded from the refraction or neurochromatic prescription.

At block 840, the neurochromatic prescription based on the trial lensselected is recorded. In one embodiment, the prescriptive process iscomplete when a patient accepts the a trial lens or lenses and theaddition of another trial lens compromises or make difficult thepatient's visual acuity, visual performance, visual function, or thereis a notable reduction of the patient's visual performance. That is, aneurochromatic prescription may be complete when visual performance andenhancement cannot be improved by the addition of other trial lenses.

In one embodiment, any one of a plurality trouble shooting strategiesmay be undertaken by a physician during the prescriptive process. It isnoted that in approximately 10% of the time a patient and physician maybe unable to determine the benefit by comparison between any two of thephysician selected neurochromatic trial lenses. It is noted that this isnot of concern as the manufactured neurochromatic trial lenses do notindividually or in collection with other trial lenses combine toarticulate a neurochromatic prescription to exemplify each and everycolor or hue that effect the patient neurologically orneurophysiologically by impacting the patient's neurovisual processingwithin the brain itself.

A variety of strategies may be used to accomplish a more thoroughexposure to more of the visual and non-visual spectrum to which thepatient may respond favorably. These strategies may include: 1) varyingthe hue, intensity, or density (e.g., darkness of color) of the selectedtrial lenses, 2) changing the order of the initial neurochromatic triallens prescription, 3) eliminating one or more of the initially selectedtrial lens (e.g., when there are three or more lenses within theprescription itself), 4) prescribing a slight modification to one ormore of trial lenses, and 5) an overt challenge to a pre-existingophthalmic prescription.

Changing the Hue, Density, Color:

If a patient has undistinguishable differentiation between any two ofthe trial lenses, by increasing each of the two trial lenses up the nexthighest density or color (e.g. up from a #1 to a #2, or up from a #2 toa #3), then a patient and physician can observe whether there is abenefit for each hue, density, or color.

In one embodiment, if the patient has selected a second or third leveldensity trial lens (e.g., #2 or #3), by reducing the density of thatselected trial lens, or all of the second or third preselected lensesmay make it possible for the patient to select the appropriate triallens. The increased or decreased density lenses may then be insertedinto the neurochromatic refractor device for testing and theprescriptive process continued thereby resolving the dilemma of a choicebetween any two of the trial lenses. The increased or decreased densitytrial lens should be inserted in place of the trial lens being replacedto maintain the ordering of trial lenses.

Changing the Order in which the Trial Lenses were Selected:

Patient and physician selections of neurochromatic trial lens may resultin patients being confused by dysfunctions of general photophobia andneurovisual processing disorders. A patient may experience immediatecomfort which may cause the patient and physician to initially choosethe wrong trial lens. This may be due to selection of comfort overpathology. For example, the absence of eye strain may favorably alter apatient's pupil shape and be confusing for the physician. The cause ofthis may be that the resulting comfort the patient is experiencing is aresult of the pathology to a frequency of light which has beendetrimentally affecting neurovisual processing and thereby causing thesymptoms. Though trial and error, with the exception of the UV triallens, changing the order of the trial lens prescriptions and determiningthe results favoring the more functional or enhanced vision in eachaltered order of the initial trial lens selection or prescription maythen be performed. The examination and prescription process may then becontinued in the order determined.

Eliminating One or More of the Previous Neurochromatic Trial Lenses:

Patients who present with multiple neurovisual and neurovisualprocessing disorders, symptoms or syndromes, are most commonly severelyphotophobic. Thus, darkness of any kind provides relief to suchpatients. For the physician this is problematic because symptoms,syndromes, and disorders often camouflage each other, thereby making itdifficult to clinically differentiate. This may lead to these patientsbeing prescribed multiple trial lenses of greater density.

However, once darkness is accomplished addressing most likelyphotophobia of a more general sort versus wave-length or frequencyspecific photophobia, the selection of more specific trial lenses is nowpossible. In one embodiment, upon the patient reporting that a triallens is too dark or observes a tint when looking through the trial lensonto a white surface, there are two options: 1) reduce the density orhue of any trial lenses that do not exemplify a base trial lens (e.g.,#1 trial lens) which has previously been prescribed or 2) completelyeliminate any one of the trial lenses within the prescriptive formulachoosing from the selection the specific trial lens for which thepatient will denote a color or hue on a white surface during theexamination and prescriptive process.

Increasing or Decreasing the Predetermined Trial Lens Selected:

Some patients may require increased darkness or hue while some patientswill require less darkness or hue than in the trial lenses. Patientsneeding increased darkness or hue may be prescribed a quarter gradient.For example, if blue #1 is insufficient while blue #2 is an overprescription (e.g., seeing color or tint on white object), theprescription could be blue #1+50%. Similarly, if blue #1 is an overprescription, the prescription could be blue #1−50%.

Challenge an Ophthalmic Prescription:

Due to the complexity of visual systems, the natures and pathologies ofsome patients, the ophthalmic prescription may be in error. Such anerror is frequently a manufacturing error not congruent with aphysician's orders. It is also possible that the physician did a “bestguess” ophthalmic prescription. An ophthalmic prescription in error willlikely negatively impact the ability to make an accurate neurochromaticprescription.

In one embodiment, the following three strategies may be performed.First, the ophthalmic prescription may be checked and verified formanufacturing error at another manufacturing laboratory other than theone which manufactured the lenses. If an error is found, the lenses maybe remanufactured matching the physician's prescription.

Second, to the extent possible the closest neurochromatic prescriptionmay be determined. A completely accurate neurochromatic prescription maynot be possible because the ophthalmic prescription is not accurate.However, using the neurochromatic prescription in front of the patient'seyes and another ophthalmic refractive examination may be performed. Ifthere are ophthalmic changes, which may be common, anotherneurochromatic prescription process may then be performed when a morecorrect and altered ophthalmic prescription can be worn by the patient.

Third, in some cases a patient's neurovisual processing is so negativelyeffected by the light that a physician cannot determine an appropriatenor accurate ophthalmic prescription. In such a case, a neurochromaticresultant lens may be made prior and worn during the standard ophthalmicexamination. Generally, the physician will be able to more readily andaccurately determine a standard ophthalmic prescription by having thepatient view through the trial lens with the patient holding theselected trial lens in place. After the ophthalmic prescription isprescribed, the neurochromatic prescription may be removed and theneurochromatic prescription redone. It is expected that theneurochromatic prescription will be different.

It is appreciated that protection from an over-prescription should bequickly undertaken. Over-prescription may manifest as a compromisedvision including making visual function blurry. Procedures to protectfrom over-prescription may include:

Visual performance and function have been improved by assessing beforeand after criteria established by pre-existing symptoms and syndromestherapeutically address by the prescribed neurochromatic lenses.

White appears white while colors become more distinct, more bold, withnotable improvements in contrast sensitivities noted and treated withneurochromatic lenses. White may appear to a patient as very slightly“shaded.” In other words, abnormally higher amounts of “glare” have beenneurochromatically altered by the neurochromatic trial lens.

Improvements in saccade should be noted. There will be increased ease insight recognition, reading speed, and flow while a patient is wearingthe neurochromatic lenses as compared to not wearing the neurochromaticlenses.

Patients should have a measurable increase in visual performance andfunction at all distances with the resultant prescribed neurochromaticlenses as compared to the same viewing without the neurochromaticlenses. Patients should have a measurable increase in their visualfields as a result of wearing the resultant prescribed neurochromaticlenses as compared to the same determination without the wearing of theprescribed neurochromatic lenses.

Longstanding conditions, symptoms, syndromes, complications (e.g.,cerebral hemorrhage, strokes, brain swelling, and reduced consciousness)will frequently respond favorably to trial lens and neurochromaticallyprescribed lenses. The observation in terms of positive changes withinthe patient may take days or weeks. It is noted that sinceneurochromatic lenses are a noninvasive therapeutic intervention, littleif any harm can be done. It is appreciated that many patients havedramatic improvements through the use of neurochromatic prescriptivelenses.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for determining a lens prescription,said method comprising: selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) trial lens;determining whether said first UV trial lens results in improvement invisual function; selecting said first UV trial lens for said lensprescription when said first UV trial lens results in improvement invisual function; selecting a first color group comprising a first colortrial lens and a second color trial lens; determining whether said firstcolor trial lens or said second color trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function; selecting said second color trial lensfor said prescription when said second color trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function as compared to said first colortrial lens; and reevaluating said first UV trial lens for improvement invisual function after determining improvement in visual function withsaid second color trial lens when said first UV trial lens did notresult in improvement in visual function prior to selection of saidsecond color trial lens.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:activating a full spectrum lighting element.
 3. The method of claim 1further comprising: activating a camera operable to record saidimprovement in visual function.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein saidcamera is operable to record a pupillary response to said first colortrial lens.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said first color groupcomprises a first infrared (IR) trial lens and a second IR trial lens.6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: selecting a neutral densitygroup comprising a first neutral density trial lens and a second neutraldensity trial lens; determining whether said first neutral density triallens or said second neutral density trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function; and selecting said second neutraldensity trial lens for said lens prescription when said second neutraldensity trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function ascompared to said first neutral density trial lens.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said first color group is selected from the groupconsisting of brown, orange, amber, yellow, green, moss green, pink,red, burgundy, rosewood, lavender, violet, royal blue, blue, sky blue,and aqua.
 8. A method for determining a lens prescription, said methodcomprising: selecting a first ultraviolet (UV) trial lens and a secondUV trial lens; determining whether said first UV trial lens or saidsecond UV trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function;selecting said second UV trial lens for said lens prescription when saidsecond UV trial lens results in greater improvement in visual functionas compared to said first UV trial lens; selecting a neutral densitygroup comprising a first neutral density trial lens and a second neutraldensity trial lens; determining whether said first neutral density triallens or said second neutral density trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function; and selecting said second neutraldensity trial lens for said prescription when said second neutraldensity trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function ascompared to said first neutral density trial lens.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 further comprising: activating a full spectrum lighting element.10. The method of claim 8 further comprising: activating a cameraoperable to record said improvement in visual function.
 11. The methodof claim 10 wherein said camera is operable to record a pupillaryresponse to said first UV trial lens.
 12. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising: selecting a first color group comprising a first color triallens and a second color trial lens; determining whether said first colortrial lens or said second color trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function; and selecting said second color triallens for said prescription when said second color trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function as compared to said first colortrial lens.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said color groupcomprises a third color trial lens and said method further comprises:determining whether said second color trial lens or said third colortrial lens results in greater improvement in visual function; andselecting said third color trial lens for said lens prescription whensaid third color trial lens results in greater improvement in visualfunction as compared to said second color trial lens.
 14. The method ofclaim 13 further comprising: reevaluating said first UV trial lens forimprovement in visual function after determining improvement in visualfunction with said second color trial lens when said first UV trial lensdid not result in improvement in visual function prior to selection ofsaid second color trial lens.
 15. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising: selecting a first infrared (IR) trial lens and a second IRtrial lens; determining whether said first IR trial lens or said secondIR trial lens results in greater improvement in visual function; andselecting said second IR trial lens for said lens prescription when saidsecond IR trial lens results in greater improvement in visual functionas compared to said first IR trial lens.
 16. A method for selecting atrial lens for corresponding prescription, said method comprising:selecting a neutral density group comprising a first neutral densitytrial lens and a second neutral density trial lens; determining whethersaid first neutral density trial lens or said second neutral densitytrial lens results in greater improvement in visual function; selectingsaid second neutral density trial lens for said prescription when saidsecond neutral density trial lens results in greater improvement invisual function as compared to said first neutral density trial lens;selecting a first color group comprising a first color trial lens and asecond color trial lens; determining whether said first color trial lensor said second color trial lens results in greater improvement in visualfunction; and selecting said second color trial lens for saidprescription when said second color trial lens results in greaterimprovement in visual function as compared to said first color triallens.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: selecting a firstultraviolet (UV) trial lens and a second UV trial lens; determiningwhether said first UV trial lens or said second UV trial lens results ingreater improvement in visual function; and selecting said second UVtrial lens for said lens prescription when said second UV trial lensresults in greater improvement in visual function as compared to saidfirst UV trial lens.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:reevaluating said second UV trial lens for improvement in visualfunction after determining improvement in visual function with saidsecond color trial lens when said second UV trial lens did not result inimprovement in visual function prior to selection of said second colortrial lens.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising: activating aninfrared camera operable to record said improvement in visual function.20. The method of claim 19 wherein said camera is operable to record apupillary response to said first color trial lens.